IT is the beginning of a new era for Ilkley Parish Council in more ways than one.

We have a new chairman in Michael Gibbons who has taken the chain of office from Lexa Robinson.

But a change of leadership this year will shortly be followed by more fundamental changes for the body which is the political voice of the town.

Many have criticised the parish council in the past for not being able to do enough to protect the area from suffering despoilation by developers and neglect by the local authority.

As Coun Gibbons said in his acceptance speech, next month sees the publication of the report by the parish council's Constitutional Working Group. And as Coun Gibbons hinted, there may well be fundamental changes in the way the parish council conducts its business.

Many in the town would agree that it is high time the parish council grew some teeth. Such a development would enable it to bite as well as bark at those - whether based in the House of Parliament, City Hall or plush private developers' offices - who would seek to erode the quality of life in this part of Wharfedale.

If the parish council took more responsibility for the services which others at present provide, such devolution would ensure local accountability and control over our lives and surroundings.

But we must not forget that parish councillors are all volunteers who perform their duties in their spare time. Taking on a more active role would involve a much greater level of commitment than that required at the moment.

If they decide to go down that road, Coun Gibbons and his colleagues at the town hall will need all the support they can get from residents.